Stephen A. Smith came to the defense of fellow journalist Don Lemon, who was arrested this week.
Lemon was charged in Los Angeles Friday afternoon on allegations of conspiring to violate someone’s constitutional rights and alleged FACE Act violations.
Lemon’s arrest comes more than a week after he joined a group of anti-ICE protesters who interrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official serves as a pastor.
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The group of protesters chanted “ICE out,” interrupting the service, according to video footage.
Lemon, an independent journalist, said he had been attending the demonstration as a reporter, not as a protester. In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Lemon remarked, “I’m just here photographing, I’m not part of the group. … I’m a journalist.”
The ESPN host said since Lemon was there as a member of the press, his arrest violates the First Amendment.
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“Whether you like it or not, Don Lemon is a member of the press. Don Lemon has been in journalism for 30 years. Don Lemon worked at CNN for 17 years. And just because you don’t have a specific organization that you’re working for, that’s where the word independence comes from. It doesn’t mean that your journalism credentials are stripped,” Smith said. “Not when you’ve been doing it for decades like him.
Don Lemon livestreamed left-wing agitators who stormed St. Paul’s Cities Church under the suspicion that its pastor had collaborated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)
“This is straight BS what he’s going through. I’m a member of the press too. And ain’t no way in hell anyone in the field of journalism shouldn’t be supporting Don Lemon today. And that’s including anyone on the right. Anybody in journalism.
“I’m not saying it was wise, I’m not saying I would have done it. I’m not saying he should have walked into a church to do interviews and stuff like that for a couple of minutes. But it don’t warrant this. You support this, you don’t support the First Amendment. You don’t support freedom of the press.”
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Lemon has hired Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell. Lowell said Friday that Lemon had been attending the demonstration in a reporting capacity and not as a demonstrator.
“Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards,” Lowell said in a statement.
“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done.”
Lemon’s arrest comes as Minnesota has emerged as a flashpoint for immigration protesters in recent weeks, including in the aftermath of the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
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Don Lemon arrives at THR’s Empowerment in Entertainment Gala at Milk Studios April 30, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
President Donald Trump earlier this week signaled that the administration is willing to “de-escalate” tensions in Minnesota, though further details on that process remain unclear.
Fox News’ Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.
Former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has explained why Arsenal attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze did not end up playing for the Super Eagles.
Eze, who came through the Queens Park Rangers academy, is now fully tied to England and was part of the Three Lions squad at the 2024 European Championship.
Nigeria first made a move for the talented midfielder in March 2017, when he was invited to train with the Super Eagles ahead of a friendly match against Burkina Faso. However, the game was later cancelled, denying Nigeria the chance to hand him a competitive appearance.
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During his time as NFF president, Pinnick actively pushed for the recruitment of players with dual nationality. His efforts helped convince players such as Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Joe Aribo, Semi Ajayi and Josh Maja to choose Nigeria over England.
Pinnick said his interest in Eze grew stronger ahead of Nigeria’s 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana. He revealed that he held a private meeting with the Crystal Palace star at his home in London to discuss a possible switch.
According to Pinnick, Eze was close to committing his international future to Nigeria before changes within the football federation disrupted the process. He said talks had progressed well and involved detailed discussions with the player and his family.
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Pinnick explained that Eze, alongside his father and sister who manages his career, had agreed in principle, but asked for time as administrative changes and elections at the NFF took place. Soon after, Pinnick left office and the move did not progress further.
He added that Eze has a strong affection for Nigeria and was positive about representing the country.
Since making his senior debut for England in a European Championship qualifier against Malta, Eze has scored three goals in 16 appearances for the national team.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed the veteran middle linebacker on Wednesday, a day after he was released by the Toronto Argonauts. McManis joining the Ticats wasn’t much of a surprise, though, as he lives in Toronto year-round and has a daughter and son.
His arrival also fills a need for Hamilton after Canadian middle linebacker Devin Veresuk signed this off-season with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.
McManis had 62 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 15 regular-season games last season.
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The Memphis, Tenn., native spent four CFL campaigns with the Argos (2022-25), helping them win Grey Cups in 2022 and 2024.
The six-foot, 220-pound McManis began his CFL career with Calgary (2017-19), winning his first Grey Cup with the Stampeders in 2018.
“Wynton is one of the premier defenders in our league,” Hamilton head coach Scott Milanovich said in a statement. “He plays the game the right way — with physicality, intelligence, and a relentless motor.
“Beyond what he brings on the field, his experience as a Grey Cup champion and his leadership in the locker room are invaluable, and we’re excited to welcome him to our organization.”
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McManis has 390 tackles, 52 special-teams tackles, 16 sacks, nine interceptions and four forced fumbles while scoring three defensive touchdowns in 100 career regular-season CFL games.
The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks will face off in the 2026 Super on Feb. 8
Fans can still purchase tickets to the Super Bowl via various resale sites, though they should prepare to pay thousands of dollars to attend the big event
Some of the cheapest tickets currently available cost nearly $5,000
The stakes for Super Bowl LX may be high, but ticket prices are even higher.
There’s less than a week to go until the main event, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
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However, Super Bowl tickets are not released to the general public, which means that unless you’re in the NFL, a season ticket holder or an NFL partner, sponsor, or committee host, you’ll likely be shelling out top dollar for resale tickets to see the New England Patriots play the Seattle Seahawks, with prices skyrocketing in recent years.
He added, “It seemed like the average person could attend back in those first 20 years.”
Keep reading to find out how much a ticket to the 2026 Super Bowl will cost you, and how it compares to recent years.
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Where can I buy Super Bowl tickets?
Ty Okada #39 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after a play during the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026.
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Super Bowl tickets cannot be purchased directly by the general public.
However, resale tickets are available on Ticketmaster, which is the NFL’s official ticketing partner.
On Location Experiences, a.k.a. the Super Bowl’s “official hospitality provider,” is also offering NFL Super Bowl packages starting at $6,000 per person, which include an official ticket to the game, an open bar and takeout menu, “NFL Legend” appearances and live music.
What’s the cheapest Super Bowl ticket?
Garrett Bradbury #65 of the New England Patriots runs out of the tunnel prior to the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026.
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As of Feb. 3, one of the cheapest single Super Bowl tickets available is in section 420 for $4,836 on Vivid Seats.
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What’s the most expensive Super Bowl ticket?
Fireworks explode over Raymond James Stadium at half time during Super Bowl LV between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs on February 07, 2021.
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As of Feb. 3, one of the most expensive single Super Bowl tickets currently up for grabs is a VIP seat in section 139, which has an eyeline view of the field, priced at $59,290 on Ticketmaster.
Do Super Bowl tickets get cheaper closer to the game?
Julian Love #20 of the Seattle Seahawks tackles Antonio Gibson #4 of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 15, 2024.
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According to data from more than 900,000 aftermarket NFL ticket compiled by SeatData.io and analyzed by Finance Buzz in September 2025, NFL tickets are less expensive closer to kickoff time during the regular season, though not by much, with an average of $20 in savings when purchased during game week. By contrast, fans who purchased their tickets three weeks or more in advance paid 3% more than the average ticket price.
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Prices for the 2026 Super Bowl have already begun to drop, per TickPick, with the average price per ticket at nearly $10,000 10 days before the game, compared to about $6,400 six days before.
According to the NFL, tickets will be available for resale on the NFL Ticket Exchange up to 60 minutes after kickoff.
Are Super Bowl tickets more expensive this year than normal?
Jabrill Peppers #5 of the New England Patriots tackles Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Gillette Stadium on September 15, 2024.
CBS reported that the cost of Super Bowl 2025 tickets ranged from roughly $3,000 to roughly $5,000.
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They aren’t the highest Super Bowl prices in history, however: 2024 set the record, with an average ticket price of $9,800, per CNN.
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How much were Super Bowl tickets in the recent years?
Zach Charbonnet #26 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the ball as Marcus Jones #25 of the New England Patriots looks for the tackle during a game at Gillette Stadium on September 15, 2024.
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Super Bowl ticket prices have fluctuated in recent years, though average ticket costs have typically trended upward, peaking in 2024.
Below are the average Super Bowl ticket prices seven days before the game from 2022 and 2025, according to TickPick.
Karim Benzema has likened his new team, Al-Hilal, to his former employers, Real Madrid, saying the Saudi Pro League side reminds him of Los Blancos in terms of rich history.
The Frenchman on Monday completed a shock deadline day move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal on a free transfer. Benzema’s contract with Al-Ittihad was due to run out in June, but negotiations over renewal collapsed, and Al-Hilal took full advantage of the situation, signing the 38-year-old on a one-and-a-half-year deal.
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Speaking to Al-Hilal media after his first training session in the blue jersey, Benzema was asked what he knows about the club.
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“It’s a great team with a great history,” he said. “They won a lot of trophies. It’s like similar, like Real Madrid here in Asia, you know. Everything is good, the fans are good, they play well, they have good players, and they have a good mentality, they have a good process. So I liked this team before, I used to play against them with Madrid, it was not an easy game, it was a good game, so I have good memories, and today I’m happy because now I’m playing for Al-Hilal.”
Al-Hilal and Real Madrid share the same history as the most successful team in their respective division. The Blue Waves are Saudi Arabia’s most successful team, with 21 league titles and four Asian Championships. Similarly, Los Blancos have won the most league titles in the Spanish division, winning it a record 36 times.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner guided Al-Ittihad to the league and King’s Cup glory last season. With Al-Hilal sitting atop the league table, they will be keen to leverage the forward’s experience to guide them to their 22nd league title.
Karim Benzema hungry for more silverware after Al-Hilal switch
Amid the controversy surrounding his move to Al-Hilal, Karim Benzema expressed his desire to win more trophies with the Riyadh-based club. Joining Al-Ittihad in 2023, Benzema went trophyless in his debut season but responded with a domestic double in his second campaign.
Regarding his ambitions at Al-Hilal, the 38-year-old stated:
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“Clear message, you know, my mentality. I have a lot of ambition. I will work, I will give everything in the pitch, I will help this team, and Inshallah bring trophies, because for me it’s more important to bring trophies, and we have, what I said before, good team, good fans, so together, Inshallah, we will do it.”
The striker has scored eight goals in 14 league appearances this season and is expected to make his Al-Hilal debut on Thursday against Al Okhdood.
Fill-in quarterback Jarrett Stidham had two crucial turnovers that essentially decided the AFC title game, and there seems to be a feeling in Broncos Country that the game would have gone differently had Nix been healthy.
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It seems that Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has endorsed that notion.
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“I have gotten over the situation,” Sutton said during an interview with Guerilla Sports at the Pro Bowl earlier this week. “I told my boy, I said, ‘Maybe after the game, I’ll get over it.’ Once the Super Bowl ends, I’ll get over it — but best of luck to both of those teams going out there performing, doing their thing. You know, everyone knows the Broncos should have been in there, but it’s all right.”
After squeaking by the Broncos, the Patriots are now set to face the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday. Denver’s schedule of 2026 opponents includes a trip to New England, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see that game given a prime-time spotlight.
Caerphilly County Borough Council is allowing 14-year-olds to lift weights / Adobe
Caerphilly County Borough Council has lowered the age limit for strength training
Fourteen-year-olds are now able to use weights and resistance kit
This is part of the council’s strategy to remove barriers to exercise
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The counicl offers a junior membership for 11 to 16-year-olds, costing £12.05
Caerphilly County Borough Council has lowered the age limit for resistance training to 14 in its gyms.
Young people are allowed to access the fitness suites from 11-years-old to use cardiovascular equipment and to be taught body weight exercises and now they will be able to weight train, using resistance kit and free weights from the age of 14. Qualified staff will be on hand to provide guidance and ensure appropriate use of equipment.
The change forms part of the council’s Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, which focuses on removing barriers to participation, developing lifelong healthy habits and creating more opportunities for young people to be active in ways that suit them.
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The council offers the Junior Active Plus membership, for 11- to 16-year-olds which costs £12.05 per month. It gives access to gyms, swimming, classes and racquet sports.
Councillor Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure, says: “Lowering the age for fitness suite access gives young people more opportunities to be active in ways that interest them. It supports the development of confidence and healthy habits at an earlier age, while ensuring access remains safe, supported and welcoming across our leisure centres.”
Whilst Jake Paul’s career as a boxer has stalled due to injuries sustained in his fight with Anthony Joshua, his promotional firm is marching on strongly, as Most Valuable Promotions have announced their U.K. debut with a quadruple header set for London this April.
Paul lost by knockout for the first time when he bravely accepted a challenge with ‘AJ’, who did what was expected of him in a sixth-round stoppage win, during which he broke the jaw of ‘The Problem Child’.
However, his position in boxing remains a strong one from outside of the ring, with Most Valuable Promotions sat as a solid player in the women’s version of the sport, home to a vast number of female world champions.
Paul’s outfit now look to flex their muscles with a show that broadcasts their dominance in the world of women’s boxing, as they stage four world title contests in London, headlined by a lightweight title unification involving British rivals Caroline Dubois (WBC champion) and Terri Harper (WBO champion).
MVP would not exist without the 🇬🇧. My boxing journey started there.
Following the announcement, 25-year-old Dubois described the contest as a ‘legacy fight’, in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I’m excited to make this fight. This is a massive fight in my career and for British boxing, both a legacy fight and unification. The goal is to become undisputed world champion and this is the first step.”
The remainder of the world title bout quartet sees three further Britons compete in separate title contests, with unified super-bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney (WBC, WBO & IBF) set to challenge for the undisputed throne against WBA titlist Mayelli Flores.
Meanwhile, former undisputed super-lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron takes part in her first world title clash since losing the throne in a rematch with Katie Taylor. ‘Il Capo’ faces off with Czech Republic’s Michaela Kotaskova in a showdown for the vacant WBO super-welterweight strap.
Last but not least comes British champion Emma Dolan, who attempts to become a world champion in just her 9th professional fight, tasked with Mexico’s 44-year-old IBF super-flyweight ruler, Irma Garcia.
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The event will take place at The Olympia in Kensington, London on Sunday, April 5, as the first fight of Sky Sports’ newly announced broadcast deal with Most Valuable Promotions. Paul, alongside co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, said:
“This event represents a major milestone for MVP as we bring our brand to the UK for the first time, and do so with Sky Sports, with a card that reflects the scale, depth and ambition of women’s boxing today.
“In our double main event, Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper marks the long-anticipated unification between two of MVP’s elite British champions, while Ellie Scotney has the opportunity to make history and become the youngest undisputed champion the UK has ever seen.
“Alongside them, Chantelle Cameron fights to become a two-division champion and Emma Dolan gets her first world title shot.
“MVP is the global home of women’s boxing, and partnering with Sky Sports for the UK, to deliver this event will give these athletes the platform and market exposure they deserve, live from Olympia in London on Sunday April 5.”
Great Britain snowboarder Maisie Hill suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing into a wall of ice during a training session in 2023. Nearly three years on, she says she feels “blessed” as she prepares to be a part of Team GB competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
FILE – India’s Rishabh Pant (AP Photo/Jon Super, file)
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant on Tuesday offered a positive update on his recovery, saying his fitness is steadily improving and that he is optimistic about returning to competitive cricket soon. Pant was speaking on the sidelines of the World Pickleball League, where he attended as the co-owner of Mumbai Pickle Power. The 28-year-old revealed that he has been putting in extensive work at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as part of his rehabilitation programme.
Are India favourites to win 2026 T20 World Cup? | Greenstone Lobo makes a HUGE PREDICTION
“My fitness is getting better day by day. I am working hard at the Centre of Excellence and I think I’m going to be out (on the field) soon,” Pant said. Pant underlined how important it has been for him to stay mentally connected to cricket during long spells away from the field. He credited his deep love for the game, along with the backing of those around him, for helping him navigate the challenges of recovery. “When I am injured, one thing that always keeps me close to the game is the love for the game and the support from the people around you,” he said. The left-hander also spoke about the need for constant evolution as a professional athlete, stressing that improvement does not stop even during injury breaks. “As a cricketer, you always have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to get better in each and every aspect of my overall gameplay,” Pant said. Reflecting on the multiple comebacks he has made in his career, Pant noted that time away from cricket has given him a fresh perspective on both the sport and life beyond it. However, he admitted that being cut off from top-level competition remains the toughest part of an injury layoff. “Every comeback has taught me something about life. It has taught me more gratitude, how you see things around you, and wanting to be committed to something that really makes you happy. “When I am injured, the thing I miss the most is really enjoying the game. You love the game so much, but you also enjoy it while playing it at the top level. That’s something I miss truly,” he signed off. Pant has been sidelined since January 10 after suffering a right-sided internal oblique muscle tear during a practice session in Vadodara, when he was struck above the waist by a throwdown specialist.
After a few weeks of deliberation, the Las Vegas Raiders have presumptively hired their next head coach to replace Pete Carroll, and that man is ex-Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
It’s a leap from coordinator work into the main chair in Las Vegas for Kubiak.
The Raiders conducted an extensive search in the last few weeks, landing on Kubiak, who will run the Seattle Seahawks’ offense this Sunday in the Super Bowl.
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The Raiders Circle Klint Kubiak as Their Next Skipper
Another former Vikings coach hits paydirt.
Klint Kubiak stands on the field in his role as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator during the 2021 season, surveying pregame activity as the Vikings prepare their offensive plan, offering a snapshot of his early playcalling responsibilities before later coordinator stops reshaped his league profile within a developing staff structure and evolving expectations. Mandatory Credit: Image Courtesy of PanthersWire
Kubiak to LV
Las Vegas’s agreement with Kubiak will be formally announced after the Super Bowl.
Until then, ESPN’s Ryan McFadden wrote, “The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hire Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next head coach after the Super Bowl, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday. A deal between Kubiak and the Raiders cannot be finalized until after the Super Bowl, in which the Seahawks will play the New England Patriots next Sunday.”
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“After meeting Saturday with the Raiders and Arizona Cardinals, Kubiak intends to work out a deal with Las Vegas, sources told Schefter. Once a deal is reached, Kubiak — the son of former Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak — would become the franchise’s fifth full-term coach since 2021. With Kubiak off the board, the Cardinals hired Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, the team announced.”
Some thought Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores might gain some traction for the Raiders’ top job because of his connection to Tom Brady from the New England days, but Flores never secured an interview.
Career to Date
Kubiak has a few more days to stand in the brightest possible NFL spotlight. Coordinating a Super Bowl offense has a way of reopening doors, and the Raiders were watching. It’s the same path Kevin O’Connell rode into Minnesota in 2022.
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The soon-to-be Raiders’ boss’s actual body of work lands closer to competent than commanding. Three stints calling plays have produced middle-tier results, and the offensive efficiency rankings reflect that reality without much interpretation: 17th (2021), 25th (2024), then 14th (2025) in EPA/Play. Decent offense — not stellar ones.
Seattle’s current run complicates the evaluation a bit. The defense has carried the weight, but the offense peaked at the right time. The NFC Championship performance mattered to the utmost. Sam Darnold throwing for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions is the snapshot that front offices remember.
Then there’s the name. Gary Kubiak’s legacy still travels well in hiring rooms, and that association builds credibility before a single question is asked. Add Super Bowl exposure to that, and the head coaching interest becomes a no-brainer.
Mendoza + Kubiak = Raiders’ Future
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Las Vegas controls the top of the draft, and the league already assumes it points toward Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. With most of the quarterback class staying put for another year, the board thinned out fast. Mendoza stands alone as the cleanest, most immediate option. The Raiders will draft Mendoza, and that’ll be that.
That’s where Kubiak enters the picture. When the Raiders officially hand him a head coaching opportunity, it likely comes with a ready-made quarterback. Mendoza’s profile checks every early-box: polish, processing, arm talent, and production. The Heisman and National Title are evidence.
Other names exist, but they carry longer timelines. Ty Simpson still projects as a developmental bet. LaNorris Sellers and Dante Moore left the conversation by returning to school. So, it’s Mendoza or bust for the Raiders.
Klint Kubiak reacts along the sideline during pregame routines at Caesars Superdome on Sep 8, 2024, preparing New Orleans’ offense for Carolina while coordinating communication and tempo, a moment reflecting his expanding responsibilities as a playcaller ahead of kickoff in a high-profile divisional matchup under national attention and early-season scrutiny conditions. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Kubiak won’t be starting totally from scratch. He’ll be inheriting a potential franchise quarterback on Day One.
Reactions from Raiders-Themed Media
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The reviews of the Kubiak hire-to-be are pretty favorable.
Just Blog Baby‘sLevi Dombro wrote, “Look, the odds of Kubiak coming to Las Vegas seem incredibly high at this point, and if the Raiders did land their top candidate, it would be a morale boost and massive schematic advantage. Pairing Kubiak with Fernando Mendoza, Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty would be a dream scenario for Raider Nation. One that the fanbase has wanted for a long time. But until pen hits paper, fans know better than to call anything ‘official, even if they look wildly likely.”
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza watches from the field during the third quarter against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Nov 28, 2025, processing game flow as pressure mounted, capturing a poised moment for the Hoosiers signal-caller amid rivalry intensity and late-season evaluation as scouts monitored his command and decision-making traits closely. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
SI.com‘s Ezekiel Trezevant pumped the brakes just a bit: “Only time will tell if Kubiak is the right pick. There is reason to believe in Kubiak, who has undoubtedly earned the opportunity. However, the Raiders’ head coaching position is unlike any coaching or coordinator position in the league.”
“The job will present things Kubiak was not expecting, just as it did for the previous three head coaches the Raiders have fired over the past three seasons. How Kubiak responds to the natural, unexpected twists and turns that come with the Raiders will decide his fate.”
